Bird Conservation Fieldwork & Summer Jobs

Position: Aerial Insectivore Stewardship Technician
Organization: Birds Canada
Location: New Brunswick (Fredericton or Moncton region preferred). Extensive travel throughout the province, see below.

Are you looking to channel your skills into meaningful, energizing work that will directly contribute to protecting our natural world? Do you want to work with an exceptional group of passionate and caring colleagues, while gaining valuable hands-on work experience? If so, this position may be for you!

Birds Canada is the country’s premier national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 100+ dedicated staff, and 70,000+ outstanding volunteers are taking action to help us better understand, appreciate, and conserve birds and their habitats. Together, we are Canada’s Voice for Birds – will you join us?

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Birds Canada Aerial Insectivore Conservation program is seeking the support of an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and personable candidate for the role of Aerial Insectivore Stewardship Technician. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork and public outreach focused on recovering threatened species, including Chimney Swifts, Bank Swallows, and Barn Swallows. Specific duties include but are not limited to: conducting roosting and nesting surveys for Chimney Swifts and Bank Swallows in a range of habitats; communicating with landowners, local governments, and the public about aerial insectivores; and entering survey data.

The Aerial Insectivore Stewardship Technician will be responsible for their own housing in NB, preferably in the Fredericton or Moncton region. Field work will involve extensive travel throughout the province, some hiking, long days outdoors, and the potential for camping (equipment provided). The successful candidate should be comfortable talking to members of the public.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This full-time, role will start on 12 May and end on 1 August, 2025. The Aerial Insectivore Stewardship Technician reports to the Associate Director, Atlantic Programs, and the Atlantic Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program Coordinator. The position is 40 hours/week and will include some evening and weekend work over the course of the contract

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technicians implement the annual field and outreach activities for the Aerial Insectivore Conservation program. Key duties include:

• Conduct nest/roost monitoring and implement recovery activities for Chimney Swift and Bank Swallow;
• Conduct stewardship and outreach with urban and rural landowners and participate in the planning and implementation of additional outreach efforts (Swift Night Out events)
• Independently plan and coordinate work schedule, including overnight trips, with field supervisor for day-to-day activities
• Help create content for and connect with volunteers and birders through social media (Discord, X, Facebook, Instagram)
• Regular data entry in the field (app-based) and from home office
• Complete other tasks as necessary (data entry, use eBird to locate new sites, use Google Earth to create new routes, check entered data)

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER ESSENTIALS

• In-progress or completed degree or diploma in biology, ecology or related field, or equivalent experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid First Aid certification (obtained before contract start date)
• For home-based office portions of the role, you must have access to a personal computer and reliable internet
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada (if applicable, successful applicants must provide a copy of their Work Permit and temporary SIN prior to commencing work)
• Preference will be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs’ eligibility criteria (be between 15 and 30 years old and be legally entitled to work in Canada)
• Preference will be given to bilingual candidates able to communicate in French and English

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong communication and organizational skills, and enthusiasm for bird conservation
• Experience working on, and interest in, environmental stewardship or public outreach projects
• Experience working outdoors, ideally on environmental project(s)
• The ability to work independently with little supervision and with a team
• Some experience conducting bird or wildlife surveys and/or collecting, managing and analyzing data
• Familiarity with ecology and conservation needs of aerial insectivore birds (Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Bank Swallow)
• Some experience coordinating individuals (e.g., volunteers) is considered a strong asset
• Experience with outreach using social media is an asset

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for this role is $18.12 per hour for an approximately 40-hour work week, plus statutory and discretionary benefits including pro-rated Vacation and Personal Health Days. This position also includes a meal reimbursement for overnight work, and branded clothing that can be worn during public-facing events and fieldwork.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining how your experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by 5pm EST on February 14, 2025.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Interviews will commence in February 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

At Birds Canada, we are committed to fostering a culture that values Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, as integral approaches that shape all that we do in our organization and for nature (read our full commitment to inclusion at this LINK). We oppose prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination, and aim to ensure that people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate in protecting wild birds and their habitats.

We are actively seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job postings. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or who have a disability, are therefore welcome to mention this in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.